Merton’s Young Creatives launch Tall Tales and Rapid Rhymes

Merton’s ‘Young Creatives’ celebrated the publication of their first book, Tall Tales and Rapid Rhymes at an event in Mitcham Library over the weekend.

Ten young authors, who worked on this collection of stories, were awarded with special certificates and praised for their work at the event which also included interviews with the writers and readings of their short stories.

Councillor Nick Draper and Bryony

The Young Creatives was set up by Merton Council to bring together budding creative talent. The group of people aged 11-24 meet regularly to help shape and deliver events for young people in Merton’s libraries. Over the past year, the group has been working on this collection of short stories and poems following the delivery of creative writing workshops given in the library.

Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, Councillor Nick Draper said: ‘I’d like to give a big thank you to the Young Creatives I met on Friday. I loved the passion, imagination and skill they put into the pieces of their own work that they read to a wide audience. I can’t wait to read Tall Tales and Rapid Rhymes cover to cover. The Young Creatives scheme is a fantastic opportunity for all young Merton residents to develop a love for writing and make it a lifelong hobby. Thank you to Natalie Flynn for bringing the idea to our libraries and for overseeing the project. This is a great example of how our award-winning libraries are working with Merton’s community to support and develop our young people.’

Tom (21), one of the contributing authors, said: “It is brilliant for all of us to see our work in a proper book that people can borrow from the library. It’s really inspiring and makes me want to write more in the future. I have grown in confidence and developed many newskills as a Young Creative and would encourage more young people to join. They can help plan, deliver and promote fun activities in libraries and might get to see their stories in print too.’

Copies are available to borrow from any Merton Library and to buy on Amazon for £4.99. The kindle version can be purchased for about £1.53. All profits go back to the Young Creatives to help fund future projects.

The Young Creatives scheme welcomes new members. For more information on how to take part, visit merton.gov.uk/libraries.